DOD Policy - Once a Privilege, Now a Right.
Since 1 January 2000, every armed forces Veteran and member on
active duty, or in the active reserve has had the right to be buried with
patriotic flourishes provided by a military honor guard.
- Must
have been honorably discharged
- Documentation
- the family must produce the discharge papers refer to as
"DD214". We recommend families locate the Veteran's papers
while he/she is still alive and give a copy to their funeral director.
If there are a member of the VFW, they will have a copy on file in
the office. If you can't find a DD214, then the Post's Service
Officer can help fill out the appropriate paperwork for duplicates.
- Locally,
the VFW offers this service to ALL Veterans.
If a family wants an Honor Guard for a loved one, all they have to
do is call the funeral home and the staff can contact the VFW and make
arrangements.
- There
is NO CHARGE for this service, but donations are accepted and that money
goes back into our community to support Veterans, their families, youth
activities, scholarships and many other charities.
- There
is a bond and connection to all Veterans and the VFW Honor Guard are all
volunteers. Call
Pier Rault the Commander of the OCVC at (321)443-3419 for all your Honor
Guard questions.
